ANDY Lonergan has been urged to make the most of his shot at the number one spot.

After watching his inspired display against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup, Dougie Freedman has challenged the former Leeds United stopper to find an extra level consistency in his game.

Adam Bogdan’s fractured finger has left Lonergan in a rare position as the natural first choice, although Paddy Kenny was also brought in last week as a viable alternative.

Now Freedman hopes the security of knowing he will get more game time will help the 30-year-old raise his game even further.

“In the situation we are in at the moment, Lonners knows he will get the opportunity,” he told The Bolton News.

“He’s playing well. I think he was outstanding against Sheffield Wednesday and he showed that against Chelsea as well.

“He’s a top keeper. And as goalkeepers go, he’s actually still quite young and has a long way to go.

“He knows he needs a run of games and with Adam being out, it’s there for him to take now. I think that will do wonders for his confidence.”

Freedman has also been pleased with the form of summer signing Dorian Dervite, who has started the last four games in the centre of defence.

“I think he has grown in confidence with each 90 minutes he gets under his belt,” the manager added.